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 ABOUT THE JOB
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| :: THE JOB ? | |
| It's about 10 glorious days in a Mini driving through
some of the most spectacular scenery that Europe has to offer. Run by
The Italian Job charity, its target
is to raise a million for NCH children's charities with the help of the
commitment of "Jobbers" (that's participants..)
and the support of enthusiastic Mini Owners in the UK and World-wide.
The Italian Job is a combination of two core elements which attract so much attention from the press and public alike. Firstly, the Mini: the endearing little car - in production for 41 years before it's cessation in 2000 - which causes people form all walks of life to stop, stare, raise a smile: a guaranteed crowd pleasing head turning phenomenon! If you've forgotten how much of a thrill driving a Mini is, jump into one for a day. You'll hear smiling children shout "LOOK! a Mini" and adults will be all too willing to share with you a story from old about their first Mini. Secondly there is the charity element and fundraising aims of the Italian Job. Combined, they are a formidable force capable of generating great affection and widespread media attention. WHERE IT GOES? The 2003 Italian Job takes place from 1st - 8th November. We'll be spending at least a couple of days (and possibly nights) travelling to get to Italy beforehand. It is based in Imola by the famous racetrack, and for four days we'll take part (read - come last) in navigational rallies, before heading back for the UK via Turin and Paris. During the time in Imola we'll be meeting some of the children supported by the UNITALSI charity in Italy. |
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| :: THE CHARITY ? | |
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The
Italian Job has been running since 1990 and has so far raised over
£1.5 million for charity. The majority of the money raised from sponsorship of this event goes to the NCH. Full details can be found on The Italian Job website You can help vulnerable kids in the UK and Italy by supporting us in our mad quest! Read our DONATION page for more details. |
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Driver Name: Rich Wild Occupation: Web Applications Developer for e-mango.com Profile: Bored of holidays by the sea, Rich asked the population of his community weblog, Funjunkie, what he should do for his holiday this year. "Buy a mini and do the Italian Job" came back the cry. Against his better judgement (and to his bank manager's chagrin), Rich agreed, and bought a clapped out 1987 Mini Mayfair 998cc Automatic. He's regretted it every moment since, as it turned out that the mini was in a much worse state of disrepair than he had feared. Its been a battle to get "Gina" roadworthy, but Rich now reckons that she'll be purring all the way down to Italy. "It is all downhill to Italy, isn't it?" he asked. The poor, misguided fool. |
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Co-driver Name: Mark Tillotson Occupation: Web developer Profile: Mark is about 13 feet tall and can't fit in the mini, let alone give reliable directions. When faced with the news that the car might not make its MOT, let alone get to Imola, Mark bravely announced that he'd replace the rear subframe himself, despite not having a single clue what he was talking about. Roped into the project by Rich, Mark has since spent much of his time wondering what it is he's let himself in for.
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| :: THE CAR ? | |
 "GINA" |
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Gina is a 1987 (or 1988 - we can't count) Austin Mini Mayfair 998cc Automatic.
Named after Gina Lollobrigida because
she's a sultry and fiery minx, Gina spends most of her time living up to her occupation as
a "flaming" mini. At least, we think that's what Rich keeps shouting. Driving Gina is a lot like making lovely to a beautiful woman, only without the beautiful woman and any of the making-love bits. In actual fact, driving Gina is a lot like a boxing match - you'll be knocked around until you're black and blue, and after 30 minutes you'll be wondering why you're doing it. Hopefully she'll make it down to Italy and back in one piece, but we're not betting any money. Make our hapless drivers a little happier about 12 days of backache and spending time in laybys waiting for the car to cool down - donate some money towards giving vulnerable and disadvanted kids an opportunity in life. |
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